More and more people are flying overseas for surgery these days, and while some beauty enthusiasts are happy with the results, unfortunately not everyone is so lucky.
Having the surgery abroad, for example in Turkey, is often much cheaper than having the procedure done in the UK, but many people have experienced complications after having such procedures abroad.
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We asked Dr. Omar Tiro for a checklist of things to consider before getting a cheap surgery abroad. Photo credit: Dr. Omar Tiro – Provided
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Be careful if you’re planning on getting plastic surgery abroad. Credit: Getty Images
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While motivation, cost and timing are important, surgeons also stressed the importance of thinking about language barriers and standards of practice. Photo: Getty Images
So we spoke to Dr. Omar Tiro, plastic surgeon and medical director at CREO Clinic, for his opinion on what you should consider before traveling abroad for surgery.
Dr Omar also revealed the dangers of undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad, so if you’re wondering whether to book a breast augmentation or butt lift procedure in Turkey, you should listen carefully.
A plastic surgeon told Fabulous magazine: “Before considering plastic surgery, patients should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and discuss any concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon. Important factors to consider include:”
motivation
Firstly, Dr. Omar stressed the importance of considering patients’ motivations for wanting to undergo surgery in Turkey.
He advises: “Patients should think carefully about why they want plastic surgery.”
“It’s important to have realistic expectations about what the surgery can and cannot achieve.
“We recommend talking to your family and friends and having multiple consultations before undergoing surgery.”
Timing and travel
Secondly, Dr. Omar urged people to think about the timing of surgery.
He said: “The timing of plastic surgery is crucial.
“Patients may need to wait some time after surgery to allow healing and for the tissue to fully stabilize.”
In addition to this, Dr Omar pointed out that travelling after surgery can be stressful and potentially dangerous.
He pointed out: “Many medical tourists forget about the return journey after surgery and the complications that come with travelling long distances.
“Flying within the same week of having cosmetic surgery significantly increases your chances of developing a blood clot, which could lead to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.”
Risks and complications
Furthermore, Dr Omar urged people to consider the risks of traveling abroad for surgery.
He added: “Patients should carefully discuss the potential risks and complications of surgery with their plastic surgeon and weigh them against the potential benefits.”
Fee
Additionally, Dr Omar stressed that people should also consider the cost before booking the procedure.
While surgery in Turkey may be less expensive, you should also consider the possibility of needing reversible plastic surgery.
He explained: “Plastic surgery can be expensive, and plastic surgery reversal is often more expensive than the original surgery.”
“Patients should carefully consider the financial implications of surgery.”
Not everything you see on the internet is true
Dr Omar also stressed the importance of not taking information on social media at face value.
He advised: “Unfortunately, the cosmetic surgery tourism industry is willing to distort the facts in order to lure patients to medical tourism hotspots such as Turkey, Poland and Thailand.”
“Unscrupulous online marketing tactics go unregulated, so the hundreds of positive reviews you see on consumer-facing sites are likely fake.
“What appears to be a luxury establishment may in fact be nothing more than an illusion created by sophisticated and aggressive marketing.”
Language barriers and standards of practice
In addition, he urged people to take language barriers into consideration if they are considering undergoing surgery overseas.
He argued: “Other countries have different standards and different medical associations and organisations that monitor and maintain standards of care.”
“This, plus distance and the need to translate wants and needs from one language to another, makes it very difficult to determine a surgeon’s certification level.
“Even if the surgeon is skilled, patients may find it difficult to communicate their expectations regarding the outcome of surgery if they are in a different country or time zone than the surgeon, without considering language barriers.”
Aftercare
Finally, Dr Omar spoke about aftercare, urging potential cosmetic surgery clients to consider how having the procedure abroad might affect their aftercare.
He concluded: “Following surgery, all patients should be in direct contact to discuss their recovery.
“Even if there are no complications, the majority of patients experience a variety of expected and unexpected symptoms and anxieties in the first few weeks after surgery.
“It is imperative that these patients clearly discuss these issues with their healthcare provider and undergo a physical examination to check for any issues or complications.
“Clinics overseas often only provide short-term follow-up and no further treatment.
“It will be impossible to perform a physical examination without returning if it becomes necessary.”
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